NBA returns to Hawaii as Clippers, Warriors train on Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The National Basketball Association is back on Oahu.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Clippers took over Gym 2 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the start of their highly anticipated Hawaii training camp.

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The Clips and Golden State Warriors have returned to the islands for the first time since 2024.

For the Clippers, this is a welcome change of pace in what’s been an offseason filled with off-the-court headlines, including a massive salary cap scandal that resulted in significant years-long penalties.

“No excuses, control what you can control, we cant control injuries, we can’t control a lot of things right now off the court, but we can control playing hard every single night competing,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said. “Our main goal is to make the playoffs, that’s gotta be our mindset every single day is to win games and try to make the playoffs.”

This also brings back great memories for Lue, who put on a show in the 1997 Rainbow Classic, dropping 36 points against Virginia.

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“That was a long time ago, playing against the helicopter, Anthony carter, having a chance to play in that tournament against Virginia, I think it was Curtis Staple, Donald Ham,” Lue said. “Those were the good ole days when I could actually play, just coming back now 20-30 years later, it’s unbelievable, I’m happy to be back, I love Hawaii, it’s a great place to be.“

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors opened training camp at BYU-Hawaii in Laie.

“What it means for us bonding wise, family wise, a lot of the guys brought their significant others, kids, parents,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “It’s an amazing trip for us and a great way to start the season in such a beautiful setting.”

And Golden State superstar Steph Curry made his return to the islands with a goal to drain a 3-pointer in Sunday’s game after not making one during the 2024 preseason matchup at Simplifi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

“I’ll try to make up for that on Sunday, it’s a cool vibe, like we’re here for a week and we get to play in front of a different fan base, a different arena,“ Curry said. ”We appreciate the love we get out here for sure, so hopefully I can knock at least one down.”

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Tipoff is set for Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1:00 p.m. Hawaii time.

Tickets are still available, for more information, click here.